New Roosters recruit Michael Jennings reveals how he almost ended up a Rabbitoh

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THERE'S less than a week remaining until they resume on-field hostilities, but star Roosters recruit Michael Jennings has revealed how intensely South Sydney fought for his services during the off-season.

Jennings has also admitted he was "scared" about leaving Penrith, and was reluctant to do so until he received the support of his two younger brothers, who have remained at the club.

Given permission to negotiate with other clubs last year, Jennings found himself at the centre of a tug of war between the code's oldest and fiercest rivals.

Jennings yesterday told The Daily Telegraph he met with Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire at Christmas before opting to join the Roosters on a four-year deal worth about $2 million.

South Sydney instead chose to bring local junior Beau Champion back to the club, and the pair will go head-to-head in an intriguing battle of fate next Thursday night.

"My management team did most of the negotiations, but I did meet Michael Maguire," Jennings said.

Roosters great Brad Fittler was the driving force behind Jennings' decision to head to Bondi.

Fittler made the same move from Penrith in his youth and now rates Jennings above fellow star recruit Sonny Bill Williams as the team's most mouth-watering prospect this season.